Description
Discover how to make an Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole that’s both delicious and satisfying. Perfect for a keto or low-carb diet, this recipe is packed with chicken, cheese, and your choice of broccoli or spinach.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken breast
- 8 slices cooked and chopped bacon
- 5 cups broccoli florets OR 1 pound thawed frozen spinach (well-drained)
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1-3 teaspoons ranch seasoning mix (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Setting the Stage for Baking
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Choosing and Prepping Your Greens
- Choose Your Vegetable: This recipe offers a choice between broccoli florets and frozen spinach.
- Prepare Broccoli (if using): If using fresh broccoli florets, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 1-2 minutes until they turn bright green. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare Spinach (if using): If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s completely thawed. Place the thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This is crucial to prevent a watery casserole.
3. Combine the Main Ingredients: Building the Flavorful Filling
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked and chopped bacon, your prepared vegetable (broccoli or spinach), minced garlic, ranch dressing, ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the chicken is evenly coated.
- Optional Ranch Seasoning: If you want an extra boost of ranch flavor, add 1-3 teaspoons of dry ranch seasoning mix to the bowl and stir well.
- Alternative Mixing Method: For even easier cleanup, you can mix all the ingredients directly in the greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Assembling for Baking
- Pour Mixture: Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread Evenly: Spread the mixture out in an even layer using a spoon or spatula.
5. Add the Cheese Topping: A Golden, Bubbly Finish
- Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake to Perfection: Creating a Cheesy, Golden-Brown Casserole
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Baking Time: Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve: Enjoying Your Low-Carb Creation
- Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly.
- Serve Warm: Serve the Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole warm and enjoy!